Purpose of the Role
The Warehouse Assistant is responsible for ensuring the efficient movement of goods within the warehouse, from receipt to dispatch, while maintaining accuracy, organization, and safety. This role plays a crucial part in warehouse operations, supporting overall productivity and inventory management.
Key Responsibilities
Receiving:
- Identify the origin of incoming shipments (branch, customer, or supplier) and categorize stock orders (Customer Return, Inter-Company Transfer, Local Order, or International Order).
- Determine the intended destination of stock (Richmond Park or another branch/location).
- Physically place received stock in the appropriate storage location based on warehouse category (Lighting, Energy, Utilities, Residential, Platform, SUS, etc.).
- Report any discrepancies, including damaged, short-supplied, or over-supplied stock, to the direct supervisor and Procurement (if received from a supplier). Ensure these are recorded in the relevant reports.
- Document discrepancies as they occur, conduct necessary verifications, and submit reports to the Receiving Supervisor daily. Follow up with Procurement or the sending branch to resolve discrepancies within five days.
Storage:
- Store received stock in designated locations according to warehouse categories.
- Package items securely to prevent damage during storage and transport, aligning with company policies and health & safety standards.
- Ensure proper loading and unloading practices to prevent product damage during transportation.
Order Fulfillment:
- Remove damaged stock from shelves and coordinate with stock control to follow appropriate procedures.
- Identify shipment destinations (branch, customer, or supplier) and categorize outgoing stock orders (Customer Order, Replacement, Inter-Company Transfer, Local Order, or International Order).
- Plan daily activities to meet delivery commitments, collaborating with supporting teams and departments.
Packaging:
- Package items to minimize damage and ensure a professional appearance that upholds the company’s reputation.
- Label all loose items according to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Dispatch:
- Coordinate deliveries to align with company objectives.
- Manage transportation quotes to ensure timely deliveries within budget.
- Scan proof of delivery (POD) documents from the previous day into the system before the close of business.
- Verify delivery details, including the correct address and contact information, and report discrepancies to the relevant salesperson before dispatch.
- Confirm with the dispatch controller that the necessary equipment is available for successful delivery.
Documentation:
- Accurately document stock movements, noting quantity and quality discrepancies and seeking assistance from the stock controller when needed.
- Ensure all documentation is stored according to company SOPs and includes two signatures: one from the person handing over the stock and one from the recipient.
Health & Safety:
- Implement and enforce health and safety procedures for warehouse and transportation activities.
- Conduct regular safety audits and inspections to identify and mitigate potential hazards.
- Arrange training for warehouse and transportation staff on safety protocols, including valid forklift/reach truck licenses, driver’s licenses, and first-aid certifications.
- Perform pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections to ensure roadworthiness.
- Operate company vehicles safely and in compliance with traffic laws and regulations.
Computer Literacy & Systems:
- Proficiency in Windows and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Qualifications & Experience:
- Education: Matric/NQF Level 4 (minimum)
- Experience:
- Warehouse operations: 2+ years
- Deliveries: 2+ years
- Fleet and contract management: 2+ years
- Licenses: Valid Code EC driver’s license
Key Attributes:
- Focused
- Trustworthy
- Caring
- Detail-oriented
